Stay indoors during a storm, away from the Lake or high terrain spaces
It's lightning safety week in Canada, and there are several ways to avoid a lightning strike during a thunderstorm.
In the event of a storm:
- Head indoors as quickly as possible and remain there until 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
- Unplug all electric appliances and stick to cordless or battery-operated devices.
- Stay away from the Lake, because lightning can travel when hitting the water.
- Avoid high terrain spaces that are out in the open.
Environment Canada meteorologist Doug Lundquist says lightning strikes can also spell trouble for golfers.
"You don't want to be holding up metal rods in a thunderstorm – electricity likes that," says Lundquist. "It's hard to stop the game, but it's better than being a statisic."
On average, 10 Canadians die every year in Canada from lightning strikes, and another 170 are injured. A study from 1986 to 2005 found that hikers were most susceptible to lightning strikes than any other activity.
Late May to early July is prime lightning season in the Okanagan, while a few thunderstorms tend to happen later on in the summer. There are no lightning storms in the forecast for the rest of the week in Kelowna.
For more lightning safety tips, go to https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/lightning/safety/overview.html.
